If you're planning to immigrate to Canada in 2025, one question you're definitely going to face is:
“Should I take IELTS or CELPIP for my Express Entry or PR application?”
Both are approved language tests by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), but which one is actually better for your immigration journey?
As someone who moved to Canada and has guided many friends and family through the same process, I’ll break it down for you in the most practical way—no jargon, no fluff, just real talk to help you decide.
Why This Article Matters
Understanding the differences between IELTS and CELPIP can seriously impact your Express Entry CRS score, study permit chances, or PR approval timeline.
By the end of this post, you’ll know:
- Which test is easier (yes, there’s a winner!)
- Which one gives you a better chance at a high score
- Which is more available in your country
- How to choose the best option for your personal situation
1. IELTS vs CELPIP: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | IELTS General | CELPIP General |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted by IRCC | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Test Format | Paper or Computer | Computer Only |
| Test Time | ~2 hrs 45 mins | ~3 hrs |
| Accent | British/International | Canadian English |
| Speaking | With a real person | Recorded on computer |
| Availability | Worldwide | Mostly in Canada, some other countries |
| Score Format | CLB 4–10 (converted from Band 1–9) | CLB 4–12 |
[Key Tip] If you're more comfortable with Canadian English, CELPIP may feel more natural.
2. Which Test is Easier for Most Test Takers?
While both tests assess your English skills in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, the test experience is totally different.
IELTS General:
- Speaking is face-to-face with an examiner (nervous much?)
- Listening includes a mix of accents (British, Aussie, etc.)
- Writing includes Task 1 (letter) and Task 2 (essay)—many find this harder to score 7+
CELPIP General:
- Entire test is computer-based
- Speaking is done by recording into a microphone (less pressure for shy people!)
- Listening and speaking use Canadian English, which is easier for those already living in Canada
[My Honest Take] Most people say CELPIP feels more straightforward, especially in writing and speaking sections. You don’t need to sound “academic”—just natural and clear.
3. Score Conversion & CRS Impact for Express Entry
Canada immigration uses CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) scores to evaluate your English level. Here’s how scores convert:
IELTS to CLB:
- 7.0 in each skill = CLB 9
- 8.0 in Listening = CLB 9
CELPIP to CLB:
- 9 in each skill = CLB 9
- No conversion needed—it’s already aligned with CLB
[Important!] Hitting CLB 9 or above in all four skills gives you a major CRS boost (up to +50 points for language + skill transferability)!
[Strong Suggestion] If you're aiming for Canada PR through Express Entry, go with the test where you can score CLB 9+ faster—many find this is CELPIP.
4. Test Availability & Cost
IELTS:
- Available in 140+ countries
- Offered weekly in most test centers
CELPIP:
- Available in Canada, UAE, India, Philippines, USA, China
- Fewer test dates, especially outside Canada
Test Costs (2025 estimate):
- IELTS General: CAD $320–$350
- CELPIP General: CAD $280–$340
[Must-Know Fact] CELPIP is only accepted for immigration if you take CELPIP-General (NOT the LS version used for citizenship).
5. So… IELTS or CELPIP? Here's What I Recommend:
| If You Are… | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Living in Canada | CELPIP |
| Applying from Korea, India, etc. | IELTS |
| Comfortable with computers | CELPIP |
| Prefer talking to a person | IELTS |
| Nervous about accents | CELPIP |
[Best Overall Tip] Take a free practice test for both and see which feels easier for you personally. Your comfort level will directly impact your score!
Choose the Test That Works For You
Don't just follow what others say—try a sample test, check availability in your area, and think about your comfort level with computer-based exams.
Both IELTS and CELPIP are equally accepted for Canada PR, Express Entry, and other immigration programs in 2025—so you can’t go wrong either way.
But a higher CLB score means a higher CRS score, faster processing, and more opportunities. So take the one that helps you shine the most.
[Important Tip] Need Canada PR faster? Score CLB 9+ in all four areas—CELPIP often gives test takers a slight edge in Speaking and Writing!
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